Imaging Connector Layout for Remote Control via USB-C GND Pins

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices require dedicated terminals for remote controller control, limiting compatibility with external devices lacking a communication interface of a predetermined standard.

Innovation Solution

The imaging device incorporates a USB TYPE-C connector with multiple GND terminals, enabling communication with external devices using these terminals alone, allowing remote controllers without a USB TYPE-C interface to control the device, and includes a changeover switch for USB PD compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated terminal is provided for remote controller control, then remote controller control is enabled, but the device complexity increases and compatibility with external devices lacking a communication interface of the predetermined standard is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with external devicesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it can communicate with external devices having a communication interface of a predetermined standard through communication terminals, and simultaneously enable remote controller control through GND terminals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated terminals while maintaining both USB PD compatibility and remote controller functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the remote controller control function with the existing connector structure by utilizing GND terminals that are already present in the connector. Instead of adding separate dedicated terminals for remote control, the invention merges this function into the existing connector framework, thereby reducing device complexity while expanding adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If additional dedicated terminals are added for remote controller control, then remote controller control is enabled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote controller controlVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it can communicate with external devices having a communication interface of a predetermined standard through communication terminals, and simultaneously enable remote controller control through GND terminals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated terminals while maintaining both USB PD compatibility and remote controller functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing GND terminals in the connector structure are repurposed to provide remote controller control functionality. Instead of requiring additional dedicated terminals, the invention utilizes the already-present GND terminals for dual purposes: grounding and remote control communication, thereby simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12585603B2Imaging device

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging device including a connector conforming to a predetermined standard is enabled to communicate, via the connector, with an external device not including a communication interface of the predetermined standard. The imaging device includes: a connector conforming to a predetermined standard and having a plurality of terminals including a GND terminal; a first communication unit configured to communicate with a first external device having a communication interface of the predetermined standard when the first external device is connected to the connector; and a second communication unit configured to communicate with a second external device when the second external device configured to perform communication using the GND terminal alone among the plurality of terminals is connected to the connector.